Subnautica 2 'Buddy System' Update Enhances Co-op Play

Subnautica 2 received a major cooperative multiplayer update on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, introducing a suite of long-requested features designed to transform the experience from parallel survival into a more cohesive shared expedition. Titled the "Buddy System" update, patch 1.2 centers on communication, survival mechanics, and quality-of-life improvements for players exploring its alien oceans together.

The most significant addition is proximity voice chat, which dynamically adjusts player volume based on distance. This feature aims to enhance both social interaction and atmospheric tension, allowing teammates to communicate clearly when close but forcing them to rely on degraded, radio-like signals as they drift apart. Alongside this, a revive system has been implemented. When a player falls due to creature attacks or oxygen depletion, allies have a brief window to swim over and share oxygen to bring them back into the game, preventing a single death from derailing progress.

Further refining group play, the update introduces a simple inventory trading system. Players can now open a direct transfer menu by approaching a teammate, eliminating the need to drop items on the...